Laken Tomlinson agrees to free-agent deal with New York Jets
Joe Douglas and the New York Jets are on the board.
Former San Francisco 49ers offensive guard Laken Tomlinson (pronounced LAKE-en) has agreed to join New York on a three-year, $40 million deal with $27 million guaranteed and a maximum value of $41.2 million, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The #Jets are signing G Laken Tomlinson to a 3 year deal worth $40M, Max Value of $41.2M, $27M Guaranteed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2022
Tomlinson, who just turned 30 in February, is a reigning Pro Bowl guard who has never missed in a game in his career due to injury since being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft.
Tomlinson had a shaky first two years with the Lions before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers, where he played on the same offense that featured current Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as its passing game coordinator.
In San Francisco, Tomlinson resurrected his career.
Tomlinson started every game at left guard for the 49ers from Week 2 of 2017 through the 2021 NFC Championship Game. He became one of the best zone-blocking offensive guards in the NFL and complemented his run-blocking abilities with solid pass protection.
Connor Hughes of The Athletic reports that the Jets expect Tomlinson to move over to the right guard position in their offense.
While Laken Tomlinson played left guard in San Francisco, he’s more than capable of flipping sides. There is no worry from the #Jets there.
Sources say he will play RG with Jets. Alijah Vera-Tucker isn’t moving.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 14, 2022
Tomlinson started one game at right guard for the Lions in Week 6 of the 2016 season, but every other start of his career came on the left side. Hughes’ report indicates that the Jets have “no worry” about Tomlinson’s ability to switch sides.
With the addition of Tomlinson, the Jets’ projected starting offensive line now appears as follows:
- LT: Mekhi Becton/George Fant
- LG: Alijah Vera-Tucker
- C: Connor McGovern
- RG: Laken Tomlinson
- RT: Mekhi Becton/George Fant
Featuring two first-round picks and three high-priced veteran free-agent acquisitions who have proven to be top-half starters at their respective positions, the Jets have built an offensive line that has a very exciting ceiling.
